Kemi Badenoch’s identity debate holds no value for Nigeria – Moghalu

Kingsley Moghalu, a Nigerian economist and former presidential contender, has offered his thoughts on the present controversy involving Kemi Badenoch, a British politician of Nigerian heritage.

Discussions within Nigerian circles have been triggered by Badenoch's ascent in British politics and her recent remarks distancing herself from her Nigerian heritage.

In a statement released on Sunday through X, Moghalu claimed that the argument regarding Badenoch's identification and her connection to Nigeria ultimately had no bearing on the advancement of the nation.

"There would be absolutely zero implications (or even benefits) for Nigeria and Nigerians even if she were to become the prime minister of the United Kingdom tomorrow morning," he stated.

Badenoch, a British member of parliament, has come under fire for remarks that were interpreted as alienating her native Nigeria.

Some Nigerians are proud of her accomplishments, but others wonder if her success has any actual significance for the country's sociopolitical and economic conditions.

The emphasis should once again be on Nigeria's internal problems, Moghalu continued, encouraging Nigerians to focus their energies on resolving the country's numerous crises.

"So why the commotion? Nigeria's issues should be resolved by Nigerians and Nigerian leaders. "They won't be resolved by claiming" Kemi or her "denying" Nigeria," he stated.

After being criticised by vice president Kashim Shettima for allegedly disrespecting her ethnicity, Badenoch earlier defended her comments regarding Nigeria.

The leader of the Conservative Party, who was born in the UK but spent a large portion of her childhood in Nigeria, talked about the dread and instability she experienced in a corrupt nation.